Former India batter Yusuf Pathan wreaked havoc in Harare and powered his side Joburg Buffaloes, into the final of the inaugural edition of the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10, at the Harare Sports Club. The explosive batter used all his trades and scored an unbeaten 80 runs from 26 deliveries, hammering 8 sixes and five boundaries, as the crowds cheered on for the Buffaloes.
The 40-year-old stepped out to bat at number four and produced a breathtaking knock and remained unbeaten at the crease.
Talking about his innings during Qualifier 1 against the Durban Qalandars, the experienced Indian batter said, “This is the first time I am playing in the T10. But, when you're chasing a target of 140 runs, you don't think of anything, you know you need to be calm and go for the big hits, and be the man for the team. This inning was one of my special performances for sure.”
Yusuf’s knock was so eye pleasant that it created the same atmosphere as of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win.
“This was a very special moment for sure. Also, it was wonderful because my son was sitting in the royal box and I wanted him to see the special moment. And I want him to feel proud of his father. One day, hopefully, he gets inspired by these scenes and goes on to play for India,” Yusuf said in a statement.
One of India’s best-best hitters in T20 cricket also spoke about his teammates as to how everyone helped the team progress throughout the tournament. He also stated that his Joburg Buffaloes teammates call him ‘Shumba’, which means ‘Lion’.
“I spoke to the young Zimbabwean players and motivated them at all times. And we did the small and simple things well. And everyone played their roles well and kept things simple. I'm happy with the young players because it is a big tournament and when you contribute it is a good sign for their career,” the veteran batter said.
Yusuf who has played with his brother Irfan’s willow a few times during the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10, celebrated by waving out to his brother.
"The senior players are responsible to give the required confidence to the young guns. This is your work because young players play a key role in crucial matches and that crucial match takes you forward. And when in difficult conditions young players play well it is good for their career too. Who knows they might play well again in the finals too. When we were young, we learned the same from our seniors”, he further added.
The Joburg Buffaloes will be playing against the Durban Qalandars in the Final of the Zim Cyber City Zim Afro T10 at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Notably, the Qalandars and the Buffaloes had been the top two teams on the points table during the league stage of the tournament.